Well, SOMEONE should celebrate Emma's birthday...

Is it too much to ask the headwriter of General Hospital to give one tiny bit of lipservice to anything non-mobular or that has any hint of normalcy on the show? I mean, really.

Most first time parents talk about or plan their baby's first birthday, especially one that's somewhat of a miracle herself. Most first time parents talk about who to invite, where to have it, whether to bake or buy a cake, have balloons and decorations, and what special toy to give the baby. These are heartwarming and light moments that the audience expects and wants, especially given the adorableness of Emma, as a perfect counterbalance to the darkness of General Hospital these days....

We could pretend that this happened, because it would happen on Y&R [which is doing twice as well as GH thankyouverymuch]....but it didn't.

Instead the Corinthos family is front and center, on showcase, with all of its twisted logic, interactions and history.

And in its own twisted way, the headwriter has written what the audience has asked for....

You want cast integration?

Fine. There's all of Port Charles, including Robin and Patrick, witnessing and reacting to yet another one of Sonny's violence-ridden fetes.

You want nods to history?

Here you go! How about another pregnant Carly getting threatened to be shot in the head (wink!) and look here's the 1st version of Carly delivering the 4th version of Carly's child (nudge!)

You want family moments rife with words of wisdom and positive affirmation?

He's listening! There's Sonny telling Michael "you did good" after killing Claudia. Like father, like son. Total Kodak moment. :sniff:






More Quartermaine airtime, you say?

Well, there's [the once powerful ELQ executive] Tracy [acting barmaid] at the Haunted Star, but she's still scheming and giving pithy remarks...it's just to the Spencer brood. That Tracy.

Enduring Couples?

It's a bit unconventional, but never fear, Sonny and Jason will be together 4Evah!

With so much airtime given to the Corinthos family and its ancillary characters, the supporting storylines are always given short shrift. The supporting storylines get dropped (HIV aspect), or dragged out to the characters' detriment (PPD), or are a rehash of prior storylines (Leyla/Lisa), or are ridiculous (suing for fetus visitation/blog wars/Emma in a tree), or the characters get watered down (Patrick), or written with sexism (Robin's insecurities), or out of character (Robin cheating), or are written without much family interaction (Scorpios, Drakes, Quartermaines, Cassadines), or much cast interaction (the famous Guza bubble).

Yet, when you watch other top rated shows that have over-the-top-suspend-your-belief writing, like the mob-ridden General Hospital, they resonate with the audience because they intermix moments of vulnerability and normalcy. They also intertwine their storylines, one has to watch storyline A in order to understand what's happening storyline C, and storyline B is influenced by storyline C, etc

Perhaps to some, seeing the celebration of Emma's birthday is insignificant, but there is importance to the happy moments in life, aren't there? Those are the moments that one reflects on in the end... And there's a reason why audiences remember the Asian quarter reunion, Anna and Robin's reunion, the meeting of Robert and Robin, the silly Quartermaine Thanksgivings.... can people remember the demise of the mob characters over the years?

(screencap credit to brilliant soapdish anon)

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Back to Basics

Hasn't it been great watching Robin return to her former self over the last several weeks? Even though the PPD storyline did give us some positives by showing us what a versatile actress Kimberly McCullough has become it just wasn't the Robin we've always known. (Yes, I get that Robin having PPD = totally different person) Honestly, that storyline was just really boring me. I like this character when she's energetic, happy, focused, flirty, bantering and down right lovely. To me that's much more entertaining. I adore how much she loves Patrick and finally being able to see her happy, nesting and motherly with Emma is such a delight! I always wondered what it would be like when she was able to bond with her and the recent scenes have not disappointed me! I am thrilled that Robin is getting back to basics ...




Quickly bonding with Emma was VERY important to Robin. Re-establishing that connection and showing her daughter just how much she loves her meant everything. I love the play time they had here. Too cute!


Once she had gotten her self comfortable with Emma again, it was time to bond with her dad! Ha ha! Watching Robin and Patrick "reunite" was like old times. The chemistry between these two never dies and it's nice to be able to see a couple actually work through life's troubles and make it to the other side still in tact and stronger than ever.


Like I said before, I love seeing Robin excited and full of life! She's got such an amazing story and this character has such heart. Kimberly McCullough really does a fantastic job of portraying that and I love seeing expressions like this on Robin's face.


What list would be complete without family time! Anytime they show the three of them together it just brings a huge smile to my face.


After everything Robin has been through its nice to see her in a position to help support Patrick through this malpractice issue. She's very good at listening and being that shoulder he can count on.


I'm loving the mult-tasking that is happening in this episode. Robin can be a mom to Emma, wife to Patrick and doctor/investigator! Love how those Devane/Scorpio roots are shining through!!


Flirty Scrubs are back! This will go down as one of my all time favorite scenes. A really creative way to work the storyline. I just can't get enough of how perfect these two are together. The look on Robin's face is priceless! I'm just so happy she's back because nothing was the same without our Robin.

Thanks to Beyond Reason for screencaps

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The Cute Factor

Alright, I’m just going say it: Robin and Patrick are the cutest couple in all of daytime and quite possibly all of television. Seriously, they are, and you can argue with me if you want but it’s just the way it is in my world and no one gets a say in that. So, when the ABC Media-Net photos came out last week of impending Scrubs cuteness, I began to reflect on their story and all the adorable things we’ve seen from them over the last 3+ years. This “cute factor” I speak of is something that separates them from the rest of the duos on television and the magic that is this couple is just beyond words at times. I decided it would be fun to come up with my top 5 list of the cutest Scrubs episodes to date. The only problem is that as I began to re-watch their episodes I realized that there were so many it was next to impossible to narrow them down to just five, so I ended up with a top 10 list instead. I figure, what’s another five episodes? So, here they are in order of air-date. (It was unfeasible for me to rate them because they are all so deserving!)



1. September 29, 2006 (Jaws Day) – A favorite among Scrub fans, this episode finds Robin taking care of an ill Patrick. As the two lay on the couch, Patrick opens up to Robin about his mom and the last time he remembers letting a woman take care of him. He recalls how she used to read his favorite book, Jaws, to him and then he compares her to Robin. Watching Robin and Patrick bond over the past, present and future is very endearing. It made me love them even more than I thought was possible. Ha ha! Little did I know ...


2. November 8, 2006 (Patrick cooks Robin breakfast after they say, “I love you”) – Probably one of the cutest episodes because it’s so simple. “Women are a blur before you” My heart literally melted in that moment! Oh and then there is this whole Jason Thompson pretending to cook thing. Need I say more?


3. December 14, 2006 (Robin helps Patrick, who has a broken hand, get dressed) – Ok, I think that one of the main reasons I like this one is because both of them look absolutely stunning in this episode. They are beautiful people and the two of them together just jump off the screen. Patrick is such a little boy at times and Robin just wants to take care of him and it’s sweet to watch them so “lovey-dovey” with each other.

4. January 22, 2007 (Patrick asks Robin to move in with him) – There are many things about this episode that I like. First you’ve got a charming Patrick asking Robin to move in, Patrick spying on Robin as she’s rearranging furniture and then the whole grab thing which happens towards the end. I know some of this stuff isn’t blocked in detail (when filming) which makes the end result that much sweeter. Kudos to Kimberly and Jason for continually making this relationship look so realistic.


5. January 26 & 29, 2007 (Robin & Patrick argue at the police station prior to the Metro Court crisis) – Alright, I’ll admit it. IF I had to pick a number one this would be it. These 2 episodes are probably my favorites on the list. While Robin and Patrick aren’t on the best of terms, the chemistry, love and overall cuteness is dominant throughout the episodes. It’s in the writing, the direction and the acting and that’s why I adore these scenes. They really are too cute for words!

6. February 20, 2007 (Beyond Reason) – After their separation during the Metro Court crisis I couldn’t wait for their reunion. I tuned in on February 19th and was very anxious to see what would happen. I was so upset about the air-time that day I figured that whatever was to air on the 20th probably wouldn’t amount to much either. Wow, was I wrong! Karen Harris scripted such beautiful words as Patrick told Robin just how much she means to him. The emotion between the two was just amazing as I watched them fall deeper in love.


7. March 9, 2007 (Patrick surprises Robin at the park) – This one oozes with sweetness as Robin and Patrick have cookies and hot chocolate in the park. The setting is just beautiful and watching Patrick surprise Robin in this fashion after everything they’d been through was really bittersweet.


8. March 15, 2007 (The Docks) – As if the previous week wasn’t enough we get this episode which I think surprised a lot of people. The stimulating conversation between these two was enough to make you want to scream! Cute, hot, adorable, lovely, tender and delightful all rolled into one. Thank you, AGAIN, Karen Harris!!


9. October 9, 2008 (Patrick and Robin get engaged!) – In typical Scrubs fashion the two end up at the police department (in their defense some of the cutest episodes are actually here, go figure!) and Uncle Mac is finally the one to get these two to face each other and admit what they both have wanted all along: to spend the rest of their lives together. I love the facial expressions in this episode. Jason and Kimberly are just terrific actors!


10. November 4, 2008 (Emma is born) – The long awaited birthday of Emma Grace Scorpio-Drake finally arrived. Watching Robin and Patrick just in awe of this life they created and so concerned for her well being just brought me to tears. I don’t do that very often but that episode did it for me and took this couple to a whole other level.

Honorable Mention: The Wedding(s) – October 30, 2008 & December 29, 2008
I think both of these episodes speak for themselves. One brought Emma into the world and the second united them as a couple and a family. Both are great examples of the chemistry and appeal of Scrubs.

Yes, there were many other episodes I could have chosen. Including: race car day, the actual “ILY’s”, various episodes within Robin’s pregnancy, etc… but what I realize is that it doesn’t matter what episode you watch with these two they are just adorable in everything they do!

You know, taking a walk down memory lane is always fun. It reminds me why I became interested in this couple to begin with and it blows my mind to see how far these two have come and to know I watched this "cute factor" from the very beginning.

So, what’s your top ten?

Thanks to Beyond Reason, Scrubs.org for screencaps

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A Sonnet: Oh happy Scrubs, how I missed thee!

Well, campers, we've trudged through the post-partum depression desert of misery and come upon an oasis of happiness. It's enough to make your heart sing with joy, or break out in a silly sonnet!  hee.

Oh happy Scrubs, how I missed thee!

Your fun banter, and your loving words

It's happy family time, and not the absurd

Robin's picking Emma up, and sits her on her knee

And not in the hollow of a godforsaken tree

Emma is saying her very first words

The sweetest sounds we have ever heard

A true "first" moment for this Scorpio-Drake family

We've missed the touching and working as a team

The teasing, the laughter, and their normality 

Their approach to illness based in reality

The smiles to each other that really just beam

Without underlying tension of Robin wanting to scream

We'd love a couples therapy session to give the past finality

So Scrubs can return to their once sizzling sexuality

And turn these last several months into a bad dream

Scrubs family scenes resonate and touch our hearts

And not the months of tension, recriminations and distraught

Their scenes. while good, were brutal after such a long while

If one knew their audience and were smart

And followed what Doug Marland taught

You'd know that Scrubs are magic when they smile

screencaps courtesy of Tracee's clips

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The Many Faces of Patrick

Watching Patrick and Robin reconnect yesterday on General Hospital was so cute, it actually reminded me why these characters - this couple - are so vital to this show, but I think I’ll save that angle for another post. Honestly, yesterday’s reunion was sweet and I know it’s a moment that Scrub fans have been anticipating ever since Robin went off to treatment, three weeks ago, for post-partum depression. After that episode aired on 4/28, all I kept thinking was, “Three weeks is a long time, what are they going to do with Patrick while Robin is away?” Sure, we all knew Michael was going to have his official “aging ceremony” with Patrick as his miracle doc, but what else were they going to do with Patrick? It’s not as if these surgeries can last 3 weeks, can they? Oh wait - I forgot this is GH and based on the death of Alan Quartermaine, anything can happen. So you’ll understand that this is where I start to get legitimately agitated. You see, the character of Patrick is half the reason I watch this often intolerable show and I know if left up to those really important people at the helm, Patrick could be a glimmer of his former self by the time Robin comes home. See somewhere back in March/April there appeared to be a hint of him and some other female character who shall remain nameless. Cough. Liz. Cough. So yes, I fully admit it, I actually thought the PIZ hour was coming! Sounds like the apocalypse or something of that fashion, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, it is true but what happened next actually surprised me in such a subtle and un-Guza (yeah, it’s a word) like way that I’m compelled to write about it.


Fifteen times. That’s the number of episodes Patrick was on while Robin was away in therapy. Fifteen out of eighteen episodes (according to my calculations) and what makes me giddy about this is aside from the surgery material, none of it was really what I expected or thought... including the screen-time!


After being such a supportive husband and arranging for his wife to go away for treatment, Patrick played five other key roles in Port Charles. Five! Can you believe it? Every time I turned on GH there he was and it was such a refreshing face to see compared to the alternatives.

Taking a look back, here are the many faces of Patrick …


#1 Father: Even though he was nervous, Patrick took on his most important role with such strength and conviction. It was so adorable watching him talk to Emma and remind her how much her mommy loved and missed them. Seeing him in the position of temporary single father was important because it just cements to the viewers how much he has changed since first gracing our screens three plus years ago. Jason Thompson has done a remarkable job at transitioning this character and I think his best stuff with Patrick as a father is yet to come.

#2 Brother: Agreeing to let Matt move in and help him was a big deal for Patrick. Sure, he probably could have done it on his own, but letting Matt help had more to do with them continuing to find their way as brothers than anything else. Yes, Matt is Emma’s uncle and he had some funny moments in that regard (Ha, chick magnet!) but keeping this relationship going in a positive direction now is important to how the story unfolds in the coming weeks. (LOL, if you’re unsure what I’m referring to here you’ll need to jump to the speculation portion of the site)


#3 Dr. Drake: Yes, Patrick is a successful neurosurgeon. Everyone knows it since he rarely lets anyone forget it. While it was touch and go for an episode or two we all knew Michael was going to wake up and prove to everyone that he really is 10 years older and that Patrick’s still got it even though he most likely came into this surgery right after he changed a diaper and cleaned the spit-up off his shirt.

#4 Just a Friend: Oh Liz. This was the one role I feared more than any other. Mainly because I’ve watched soaps a long time and I’ve seen just how this stuff works. They start out as friends and then slowly, day by day, it becomes more -- even when the chemistry is lacking something fierce! So, despite my issues on the subject, I watched their scenes and after all was said and done I actually believed the scenes for what they were: friendly advice. It began with Liz’s initial question to Patrick, “How does love work?” and it ended with me a happy camper as Patrick realized his own progression on the subject. He reflected on the happiness he’s found with Robin and Emma and it made Elizabeth see just how rare true love is and how just maybe all hope isn’t lost for her and Lucky after all.

#5 Inn-keeper: The oddest of the roles finds Patrick taking in a house guest to a desperate Holly, who is running from Luke and his incessant Ethan parentage inquiries. The one thing these scenes managed to do was remind of the Markham Islands arc 3 years ago when Patrick first started dating Robin. The whole thing just made me smile because I found how interesting it is when a scene sparks a memory and that one thing leads to something else entirely.


And where does that one thing lead to exactly? Well, I think that should be obvious at this point because all "roles" lead back to Robin. I think Patrick put it best when he said, “Somehow this tiny woman with a big mouth got under my skin and stayed.”

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We're baaaaack!

It's been an interesting month away from The Scrubs Hub, I think I actually went through withdrawal symptoms from not updating for so long.  I was really surprised and touched with all the wonderful notes people sent to me during the downtime about why they loved this site...it validated many of the reasons why I started the site in the first place.  

One of the great things that happened during the hiatus, is that I got a new co-contributor who will be alternating weeks with me.  Michelle (machereeves) was part of the group that contributed 'The Smiley Whore Chronicles' when the site first opened, and was part of the group walking the last two AIDS Walk LA events with me.  We're both looking forward to getting a little more creative and having more fun with the site...so look for more features beyond the daily news. 

Oh, and how excited are we that Scrubs will be reunited and happiness returns on Tuesday?!

Finally...right?

With all my best regards,

Amy

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The Scrubs Hub Goes On Hiatus

The site will be going on hiatus while I recharge and rethink things. I haven't lost hope for Scrubs at all, but this site requires work and I just need a break for a bit.

Thank you to all of my readers who frequent my site, you've made this a fun and interesting experience.

Update 4/28: The site will be back in a few weeks...expect to see a few changes to the site...including a new contributor part of the time!

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10 Ways You Know You Have GPPD (Guza-style Post Partum Depression) instead of PPD

1. When taking a sick baby out in a blizzard sounds like a great idea, instead of trying to bring down the fever yourself because you're a highly trained doctor.
2. When leaving your baby in a tree sounds like the best idea ever, instead of keeping the baby close to you to give body warmth
3. When you'd rather ask a hit man and a nurse who put her own kids in danger about the symptoms of PPD, rather than asking a friend who's a shrink or a PPD specialist
4. When wanting to resume your professional life is a sign of PPD and that you're being a bad mother, and that you can make that decision on your own and not as a family.
5. When your appearance is more stylish and put together the farther you fall into depression, instead of the typical symptoms of being unfocused or unmotivated about appearance
6. When the only conversations you seem to have for months with your husband are 'I think you have PPD" and "No I don't", or 'I want to get a nanny' but neither of you interview anyone.
7. When you won't let your newly married husband touch you because of a distorted body image after the baby, but you suddenly feel flirty and say "hey, show me your tool belt" to another man.
8. When the voice of reason you listen to is a sycophantic, put-her-own-babies-in-danger nurse and not the doctor/brother-in-law who has done a little research and has you and your family's best interest at heart.
9. When telling the truth has been your character flaw, yet you easily lie like a politician about your whereabouts, not having a husband or child, leaving said child alone at a diner, or that you have a problem
10. When you know that you don't have PPD because you're not going through what Robin went through, instead of realizing that Bob Guza has made a mockery of what women are going through or have suffered with post-partum depression

The post-partum depression storyline had an enormous amount of potential because of the emotional angst it could generate and the talented actors involved in this storyline. Many of their fans had been disappointed with last year's string of inane storylines - suing over fetus visitation rights, the blog wars, Anna being a hot mama, the pointless reason for multiple proposals, etc - and were looking forward to a dramatic storyline with emotional touchpoints.

However, all that anticipation turned to dread when it was clear that the writers wouldn't afford this newly married couple any level of happiness - via a honeymoon, love scene, or any real intimacy. And the dread only increased when the viewers were taken out of the moment to question what they were seeing was truly a symptom of PPD or whether an already well-sketched character would be behave in that manner. Since the start of this arc, the writers have slowly devolved the characters to shadows of their former selves, seemingly to make any future sleazy plot points feasible.

Both Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson deserve many kudos for trying to make their characters' pain and conflict as realistic as possible, despite the over-the-top writing. The actors deserved an emotional and well-written storyline this year to show their dramatic talents, as their last opportunity to showcase was in July 2006. And the viewers deserved a compelling dramatic storyline to tune into, as it was a chore at times last year to tune into the circular arguments and largely silly pointlessness of the Scrubs storyline for much of the year. There is huge disappointment now with how the show is handling the execution of this whole storyline arc and the treatment of a legacy character.

To me...Bob Guza, Brian Frons and the studio have lost sight of what's important, which is especially galling because of the dire straits of daytime, it only takes one press of a button to turn the channel when the show ceases to provide escapism nor entertain.

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The Scrubs proposal - Aftermath

Rather than play into a who was "right" type of scenario, I'll just highlight the actor's portrayals of the scene

The scene in the hospital:

Jason's portrayal of Patrick's earnest love and declaration made it seem less about forcing Robin's hand at commitment and more about wanting her to understand that he wanted it all with her. I thought that Kimberly's choked voice when she said the proposal was "crowded" made the audience more sympathetic to the situation Robin was put in, And John J. York played Mac's skepticism well, but he also wiped his cheek as she was rushing out, which was a great addition to a heartfelt scene. Just all around great acting.

The scene on the bench:

These were the most heart-wrenching, painful and well-played scenes since the breakup scenes and/or the bet. The acting was pitch perfect - The assurances of love Robin gave him, the bittersweet kiss of love and regret, their foreheads touching, the regret in her "I'm so sorry", the pause of hope on his side/dread on hers, then "but I can't marry you", Patrick's muffled sob and pulling back in hurt, Robin holding his face to hers to comfort him, and then her need to walk away while he reels and is in tears. This was the most amazing performance by these actors so far this year, and an absolutely worthy reel for Emmy consideration. Jason Thompson has a gift for showing Patrick's emotions in his eyes and in his voice, and the incredible hurt Patrick was feeling when Robin said "No" was palpable. Kimberly's portrayal of love and regret throughout the lead up to her rejection of the proposal helped reinforce to the audience that Robin is in love with Patrick and has her reasons for saying no. It's the caliber of these type of scenes that keep the fanbase tuning in, and believe in them as actors and their characters.

However, this segues into a criticism of these scenes and really for Robin's storyline. You can skip this if you just want to just read the positive review of the scenes..otherwise you can click

For one of the better female protagonists on the show, Robin's feelings have become strangely silent. Throughout Patrick's baring of his soul, there was a significant lack of "I" statements coming from Robin - such as "I feel", "I want", "I need" - that would explain or even half-explain her ambivalence to marriage. And this is not the only time it's happened, this was also true in the lead up to the court scenes, in most aspects involving her pregnancy, her feelings on the future, how having a baby affects her views on mortality, etc. As many connections to other characters she has on the show, there are few characters asking her about her viewpoints on all these topics. We can only infer from her actions, make guesses based on her history, and read meaning in what she says about other people's lives to understand her motivations. It's a tragedy that with such a rich characterization to draw on, that Kimberly rarely gets scenes these days where Robin states what she wants, what she needs, what she fears.

And, while many viewers have been patient in allowing the writers to realistically turn Patrick in the direction he is now, the dissatisfaction in the lack of Robin's voice has also been increasing at the same time - the tide should turn now to Robin in order to evolve this couple toward the next step. We need to hear from Robin, and understand why she "can't" marry Patrick - is it because he's still not marriage material? Is it because it relates to her illness and mortality? Is it because she feels it's the beginning of the end of the relationship and that terrifies her? The audience wants to hear her motivations and understand this character; she's grown up on this show and viewers are invested in her. Otherwise, Robin becomes an unsympathetic heroine who is seemingly afraid of allowing herself stability and happiness, and viewers will increasingly tune out of General Hospital and into Night Shift to find the characterization that gives her that voice.

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The Scrubs proposal

Just a few thoughts on the proposal yesterday:

I would have liked some buildup to why Patrick was proposing, it just seemed to be very sudden. Of course, with the writers making all of his friends to be creeps/killers/womanizing bartenders, no wonder he has no one to consult with except for Pip.

I think the public proposal was in keeping with how they've written the Scrubs relationship on GH with the normal push/pull, but I think many fans were hoping the proposal would be written as an intimate scene....free of the angst a public proposal brings.

However, at the end of the day Robin and Patrick are still one of the more realistic loving couples on daytime. And despite some of the more cliched parts, it had a lot of really sweet moments. I'll leave you with my favorite part of the proposal:

Patrick: You've overcome your fears, and well, I think I'm your last fear. So I'm here to tell you that...you don't have to be scared anymore...because I'm in this for the long haul, whatever that means...and we can face our fears...together..me..you..as a family, as a husband and wife...so Robin...(whispers) hey..
Robin (whispers): What?
Patrick: Say you'll marry me

This little section hit at the heart of the abandonment issue, and it was perfectly written by Karen Harris and executed by Jason Thompson. Kimberly McCullough did a great show of pulling off Robin's myriad of emotions to the public proposal - embarrassment, excitement, nervousness, touched, overwhelmed - a tough feat to pull off.

I'll admit that I've watched the proposal at least 5 times, especially the scene above...so, as of right now (and I know it's a rising number because I know a lot of you so well)....

poll by twiigs.com

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A followup on the Open Letter to Disney/ABC

The Open Letter to Disney/ABC was heard.

Read the POZ article 'HIV Mama Drama!'


The fact that so many of you stood behind the letter was very compelling to POZ magazine. Instead of just printing the Open Letter to Disney/ABC that our group forwarded to them, POZ magazine gave this the star treatment.

They followed up to make sure that GH's publicist had a copy of the letter and signatures, they asked and received responses from Jill Farren Phelps and Kimberly McCullough, they wrote an amazing article, they put the article front and center of their online magazine, and they sent a copy of said article to the GH publicist.

While it remains to be seen whether GH delivers in these subsequent months of Robin's pregnancy, what is clear and very public now is how we, as the viewers, expect this storyline to be written.

Your voices have been heard.

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An Open Letter to Disney/ABC Network

I've been involved with a task force put together by Natalie on the Scrubs Board, whose underlying goal is to utilize various resources (media, AIDS service organizations, etc) to ensure that the HIV pregnancy storyline is told responsibly. Last week, we asked a member of POZ magazine for feedback on the outline of our projects. A suggestion was made to us to write an open letter to the network about our concerns, and the magazine editors at POZ could potentially be swayed to print it in their online magazine. When certain shocking spoilers hit the internet this past weekend, we realized that this might be our best chance to intervene to keep the integrity of the HIV pregnancy story.

We ask all that pass through this and other sites, to sign the below letter. It is our hope that given enough signatures, it will be published by POZ magazine - we feel it will have more impact being placed in such a public and serious forum. The published letter would be sent to many contacts at Disney, ABC, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Foundation, and a large number of AIDS service organizations. After that, it goes to the mainstream media. This would only be the beginning of the domino effect we are working on to push the network to be responsible, but we need your signatures to kick off the effort.

Amy

----

An Open Letter to the ABC/Disney network,

This past year, Bono's (RED) campaign swept across the internet and media with its use of retail, commercial, and musical venues to bring awareness to AIDS and benefit the Global Fund. Celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Bono, Ashley Judd, Elizabeth Taylor, Naomi Watts, and others used their appeal and status to raise funds and highlight AIDS causes. A large number of articles focused on the failure of generating an AIDS vaccine, the rise of HIV in young people, and that 1 in 4 individuals that have HIV are unaware of their status. Despite all of this information, the public still has the propensity to turn an apathetic eye toward all of this because it doesn't touch their lives--it happens in another neighborhood, city, or country.

We believe that scripted television, as a medium, has the ability to reach viewers in a far-reaching way and with resonance. A fictional character has the ability to put a familiar face to HIV/AIDS, one that is relatable and not so easily dismissed. One particular storyline on your show "General Hospital" has the potential of transcending the clichéd soap opera plot to become a compelling piece of groundbreaking television. This storyline is of Robin Scorpio (played by Kimberly McCullough) who is HIV-positive and her boyfriend Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), both characters rich in history and ties to core families of the show. In no other genre is there an opportunity to provide a daily look into the joys, anxiety, and complications that a real-life HIV-positive couple would go through in planning to have a biological child of their own. The potential of myriad health related story arcs (medication, artificial insemination, risks, etc.) as well as character growth arcs (fear of loss, parental worries, living arrangements, etc.) the show could explore is vast, thereby negating any reason for lack of inspiration or direction.

We respectfully request that the network tell this story responsibly, without a "soapy" angle that would detract from the implications of an HIV pregnancy. With the writers' strike causing uncertainty and the ratings for daytime television at its lowest points, it would be easy to utilize huge twists to bring in viewers and help save the genre. However, we feel there is much more potential in grabbing the attention of mainstream media and AIDS service organizations if General Hospital strove to match the seriousness of their groundbreaking Emmy-winning AIDS storyline introduced more than ten years ago. Our hope is that Robert Iger, at the helm of Disney/ABC and sitting on the Executive Advisory Board of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, will ensure the writers of General Hospital will not cheapen the story with stunts--this dramatic groundbreaking story can stand on its own.

We are aware that fans of daytime television are usually dismissed as "crazies" or "fanatics"; however, that is unfairly dismissive of this particular viewership that has given back philanthropically tenfold and has high expectations of responsible storytelling of social issues. We the undersigned, expect the network to rise to the challenge--to take up the torch and light more awareness about HIV and AIDS via compelling and responsible writing.

Sincerely,

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Cabin Sex Anniversary

credit to Jules/Beyond Reason

I thought it'd be nice to reminisce a little about last year's Cabin Sex scenes. Personally, I can't believe it's been that long ago since we've had a non fade-to-black scene or that we've been drawn into a soap couple to this extent. For many, this day kicked off the whole Scrubs insanity. It took the interest in the Robin and Patrick pairing to a whole different level, as it solidified the characters' relationship and amazed fans at the amount of chemistry that radiated off the screen. It was a perfect choreography of music, acting, character growth, and cinematography. If anyone wants to take a little walk down memory lane, you can read the 248 comments in the May 29, 2006 Gush Post

First, the song Howie Day's 'Collide'.... There were a number of posts on the Scrubs Board and elsewhere in the months before this day about which song would be perfect for them - this song was unanimously decided on as the perfect one. I know for many people it was beyond surreal to then have it used by GH for the love scene. It felt like the powers that be actually listened to what the fans wanted, and took the extra effort to make it happen. Some couldn't even get over their initial shock that the song was actually playing for these scenes, and had to watch it again (and again).




The highlights noted by fans....

in the lead up...the way Patrick said "Don't expect me to apologize.,,you're beautiful", the look she gave him in return, how he would have walked 5 miles to get the spermicidal jelly and condoms and the fact that she was prepared, the way he kissed her forehead, how he picked her up to sit her down on the bench, him running his hand up her leg, kissing her neck and ear, her almost kiss and him brushing past her lips....the intense look they shared, how he brushed her hair off her face, their kiss, the way she looked at him taking off his shirt, the way he looked down at her, how he led her by the hand to the bed, and (hotly) picking up the condoms along the way...

In bed...the stomach kisses, the stroking along her thigh, the touching between both of them...and finally the last scene where they are facing each other and looking into each others faces. This scene had the most reactions, the most comments, and probably is the most analyzed scene to date. This scene sealed the deal that this couple were destined to end up together because the look of awe and love they gave each other was intense, powerful and intimate.

The aftermath...the look of fear and uncertainty from both Robin and Patrick, how closely they watch each other for signs, the defenses they both put up, and their need to experience that closeness again...

People may wonder why fans constantly ask Jason and Kimberly for spoilers about another scene like this...I think it really comes down to the expectation of a soap opera to fulfill the need for escapism with romance, mind-bending sex, and love. We're constantly barraged with images of violence in our streets, the war in Iraq, the murder/crime/cops/mob shows on prime time, and even pervasive mob storylines of planned hits and violence on GH. The days when a couple waltzed through a department store, made love on a beach on an adventure, or kissed in an alley in the rain are few and far between...

We see the storyline for Robin and Patrick as a haven in all of that darkness - a genuine light of great acting, lively banter, quick comebacks, amazing chemistry, and a true buildup in writing of a relationship not common these days of quick soap romances and bed-hopping. They've been described by critics as "fresh" and "realistic" - and are immensely popular with the fans. Last year's montage opened up the endgame speculation for Robin and Patrick, and a hope in GH's ability to tell a true love story.

Can anyone really blame the fans for wanting that perfect escapism again?

Amy

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Thoughts on the 5/23 Show

I feel there is a reason for everything and there was a reason for the scenes we got on Wednesday's show whether we liked them or not.

I didn't feel that Patrick came across as flirting but I did feel that he was coming across as a clueless boyfriend who didn't realize the way he came across in front of Robin was annoying her. This is Patrick's first real relationship and he is still learning as he goes. He doesn't realize how he interacts with other women is going to make her feel annoyed or even jealous of the situation. He is very much in love with her but he is clueless on some of the ways of a relationship with her. He is still treading water at times and today was one of those days.

In the past, he would have never used the word girlfriend but shrugged it off as just someone he was seeing casually. He would have gone for what the girls were offering but like he told Robin when she said he was like a kid in a candy store he wasn't buying. He is in a committed relationship with her and I feel these scenes are going to get him to the place where he decides that he is going to make her feel more secure about him and their relationship. He finally saw how annoyed she was at the situation and I feel that he is going to make a few changes in his life so she is aware that she is the only one for him. He has shown her before how he feels about her but I feel he is going to need to reiterate this again to her especially after today.

I felt that the 5/23 scenes showed how secure he is in his relationship with Robin and vice versa. He is secure in the knowledge of his love for her and that she is the only one for him. He has become a caring, compassionate doctor and that is all due to him knowing and being loved by Robin. She showed him that he needed to be compassionate in his work and care for his patients in order to really be a great doctor. He has shown that he can be a caring, compassionate doctor and it doesn't matter what type of illness one has he is going to treat that person with the same care that he treats all of his patients. That is not the mark of a good doctor but of a great doctor that sees more to life then recognition for his work and media attention.

Sure, Robin was annoyed with Patrick but she is also secure in the knowledge that he loves her. He has shown her his heart and that wasn't an easy feat for a man who used to hide behind a mask filled with an ego and arrogance so he didn't have to show the world his true self. She broke through his walls to get to the heart of the real man and she isn't going to let him go or what they found together. He may have chosen to look but he also knows what he has in Robin. He isn't going to jeapardize their relationship because of the man he used to be because he is now a man that is loved by a remarkably, beautiful woman who has opened up her heart to him.

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Thoughts on the 5/23 show

I watched the scenes last night from Wednesday's show and overall they were cute and funny. But as I watched other show's season finales, some things from this show kept bothering me and I felt compelled to make the first observation post for the blog. Kim (buff29) will be posting her own observations in another post, she's being added on as a contributor.

• Why couldn't the triplets be normal girls who just happened to be gorgeous? The barely-there clothing, the twirling of the hair, the grinding motion, the moaning, the posing, the pouty voices...the writers did everything they could to portray these characters as bimbos. I know I wasn't the only one rolling their eyes...
  
• The statement that "3 gorgeous women came in and snaked your man" was underscored throughout the scenes and Robin's blog, and it implies that Robin isn't gorgeous in her own right. Robin even looked down and compared her own chest to theirs, implying that she was somehow lacking. The delivery was funny, but the implications were just sad.
• Why is Patrick the only one getting hit on? We're not asking for a 3rd party to be involved, but Robin would be hit on by other doctors on any other show. Come on...Kimberly is a hottie, I know because my brother would hit on her if he could [sorry J. - you've been outted for the Scrubbie cause]
  
• The constant writing about Robin's insecurities are getting very very old. She's an accomplished, intelligent, and beautiful doctor and why she has to be portrayed as insecure is just bad writing.
  
• The whole "boys will be boys" feeling I got from the show, it didn't bother me as much but it just disappoints that it found its way into the Scrubs storyline...again.

I understand that this is part of a build up to something bigger, perhaps a grand gesture to take care of Robin's insecurities and to possibly move the storyline forward. However, the end result is that the writers are implying that these two characters are not on equal footing in the relationship. The writers built on a child and teen character's history and then wrote her as closed and insecure until her relationship with Patrick brought her out of her shell. They used makeup and wardrobe to highlight the "plain Jane" aspect last year, and have steadily allowed Robin to show her real beauty. However, the latest inconsistencies don't allow viewers to truly break their memories free of little Robin growing up or the "plain Jane" portrayal of a year ago. The writing seems to constantly remind us that Robin is "analytical", and therefore cannot also be hot. However, Robin is at her most beautiful when she's allowed to be happy, smart, fun, carefree, and confident - perhaps it's because Kimberly is then allowed to infuse her personality into the character and genuinely have fun with the role.

When you look at some of the great couples in soap history, one character wasn't written as "lucky" to be with the other - Luke and Laura, Robert and Anna, Sonny and Brenda, etc. Each brought their own confidence and individuality to the table. I believe Scrubs is poised to ascend to these heights, however if the writers could take their own advice/words (via Patrick) and "get out of their own way", we'd surely get there sooner...


Amy

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